Persekutor – Arctic Cross [Romania, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 3-22-14

So once I figure out Persekutor, I am going to let everyone else know. I promise. If the odd album cover wasn’t enough indication, Romania’s Persekutor comes with a bit of raised eyebrows and speculation. From a series of interviews surround the band’s last EP Power Frost, this black metal act comes with either an aura of self aware parody or such a unique backstory it borders on surreal. I am in no position to make any judgments rather any answer is a unique experience in the world of ice obsessed Romanian lo fi black metal.

Nechbeyth – Coerce Creed [Singapore, Black / Death] (2014)

Iron Bonehead | 1-13-14

Yes, absolutely. Your first experience with the Singapore band Nechbeyth should most definitely be this short EP. This is not to say the band’s debut album Blood.Axis.Domination lacks in quality rather Nechbeyth’s brand of dissonant and structureless chaos is best experience either in short bits or with a licensed counselor who can guide you through the more difficult parts.

Hell / Mizmor – Hell ::: Mizmor [US, Black/Doom](2014)

Self Released | 1-13-14

Yikes! From Oregon comes a split which is sure to rip the head off of whatever stands in your way. Hell and Mizmor are two sludge doom acts who has chosen to combine effort in order to finally extinguish the sun for all eternity. The self titled split for the two is split evenly between 15 minute tracks which for doom based genres is almost expected. through 30 minutes the listener is given treat of doom, gloom, and merciless forlorn in a land now shrouded in eternal darkness.

Verberis – Vastitas [New Zealand, Black/Death] (2014)

Iron Bonehead | 4-3-14

16 minutes is not a lot of time for introductions. I mean what can this short span of time really communicate about ones’ intentions and plans for the future? With so much new music being released everyday, what can 16 minutes do in the face of hundreds of other demos? New Zealand’s Verberis has chosen to take this brief opportunity to make their sound memorable by hypnotizing their audience and showing them a world where black / death can be slightly psychedelic or at least mind erasing. This isn’t usually how I feel when listening to black / death but I will take it as a sign that things, for a little bit, are going to be from the land of strange.

Gravehill – Death Curse [US, Death / Thrash / Black] (2014)

Dark Descent Records | 4-1-14

Despite Gravehill’s rotting exterior, the band seems to be made up of musicians who are having a blast doing exactly what they are doing. This attitude adds to a fun atmosphere when a band seems be laughing louder than the screams of its audience. From sunny California comes Gravehill, bastard metal who seem to have no primary loyalty aside from playing as fast and menacing as possible. It is the sound of evil and it rips like a motorcycle engine.

Yith – Yith [US, Black / Doom] (2014)

Self Released | 3-28-14

Hands down, one of the most eerie covers of the year. Who would have guessed the combination of black and white pencil and white eyed specters could be so unnerving? Yith has spent most of its time releasing demos in sequential order. There is nothing which separates the fourth demo from the previous three aside from the self title. Right now maybe the perfect opportunity to allow Yith to come and darken your heart.

LVTHN – Adversarialism [Belgium, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 1-1-14

I have decided to start tagging record labels as I feel it is important to support ones which put out consistent material. LVTHN is a darkhorse as their existence was unknown to many before a few days ago when the very well liked Fallen Empire put up their debut demo for stream. If one needed any more reason to pay attention to lesser known releases, the two song demo for LVTHN serves as a reminder in the form of a punch to the face.

Warlock 666 – Pactum Satanicum [Russia, Black] (2014)

From the Dark Past | 3-7-14

There are sometimes when a complete jump into the abyss is the only thing which makes sense. When style and themes can guide entire projects it becomes easy to slip into a bottomless well of image. Warlock 666 is a Russian band who has made it their goal in life to sound otherworldly and make music from below Earth’s surface. With the starting point of high Satanism and a general finish line of abject terror, Pactum Satanicum aims for the starless abyss and whatever is being heard, at this moment, are just gurgling screams from the void.

Heavydeath – Demo I [Sweden, Death / Doom] (2014)

Caligari Records | 4-5-14

I have already raved about Caligari Records. Not only does this label dedicate their existence to underground black, death, and doom but the quality of material they release is fantastic. Take this demo from the Swedish group Heavydeath, with members from both Necrocurse and Runemagick. If not for Caligari records I would not be aware of this project. Heavydeth comes with much excitement, as every member involved in the process of this record comes from bands with much veneration. Heavydeath’s first of three 2014 demos not only surpasses expectations but shows how much is possible on a cassette series.

Lizzard Wizzard – Lizzard Wizzard [Australia, Stoner Doom] (2013)

Self Released

I usually like to focus on music from the current calendar year but something about Lizzard Wizzard spoke to me. I do not know what it was. Maybe it is the cassette package which comes with a d20, doob tube, and patch in addition to a green cassette. Maybe it is because the band seems to give zero fucks about fitting into a serious role. Maybe it is because there are sometimes when heavy stoner doom is the best thing to listen to. Maybe it is because the band does exceptionally well when given a task. Actually, I think it is the d20. That is pretty amazing.